Patna: When the results of 2026 BSEB Class X examination were declared on Sunday, five girls from the rag pickers’ families created history by scoring good marks. These girls who worked as rag pickers in their childhood passed the examination in first division, thanks to an organisation, named Nai Dharti, working in the outskirts of Patna.Until a few years ago, when these girls were embraced by the organisation, their world was very limited with scarce resources, social constraints, and difficult access to education. The organisation gave them more than books; it gave them a new mindset and a new identity. Sister Nivedita Balika Vidyalaya, the free, formal, residential school run by Nai Dharti, provided the required set up. Proper guidance from teachers, infrastructure support from the institution, and a strong desire to change their status became their greatest strength.These extraordinary girls are Ruby Kumari (75%), Pinky Kumari (67%), Sudha Kumari (65%), Nirupa Kumari (61%) and Anita Kumari (61%). Four of these girls have lost at least one parent each.Nai Dharti’s chief Nandita Banerji told this newspaper that when the results brought more than more than marks—they brought smiles on their faces, a sparkle in the eyes, and a new sunrise of confidence. In the neighbourhoods where their dreams were once questioned, people now proudly say: “They are our daughters.”
